Bound for South Africa, Newcastle's floating dock Muloobinba ends 34 years service
Muloobinba was launched in Japan 4 November 1977 and towed by the tug
East Sea, arriving 4 January 1978, and entered port on the 7th. It replaced
the NSW State Dockyard floating dock that operated since 1942. Muloobinba
operated for almost 35 years.
Destined for South Africa via Indonesia for
modifications, then to Namibia due July next year to become Namdock3 (of
three).
Below: Muloobinba Floating Dock arrives Newcastle 1978 from Japan. Kind permission of Ralph Snowball, Norm Barney Photographic Collection, the University of Newcastle.
Muloobinba was owned by the NSW State Dockyard, Newcastle Port
Corporation, and finally purchased by Forgacs. The dry dock was unused since
2010 with no demand for services.
Queens Wharf is the most excellent vantage for all things harbour.
Perhaps they're eating burgers ..
Bluster is quite the ocean-going tug boat.
Hercules floating crane visible stowed aft
You never know what you've got till it's gone
